Then, around 2 a.m., a fight between rival gangs at a downtown restaurant left a 29-year-old man with serious head injuries after he was hit with a beer bottle. Police arrested two men in the assault.

Later that evening, shots were fired at an apartment building near 33rd and Holdrege streets. Police arrested two suspects they believe also have gang ties.

“This is quite unique for us and hopefully it is going to stay unique,” Peschong said.

Last month, two men with gang connections were charged with two counts of murder. Police believe they targeted two random victims this summer following a challenge from a rival gang saying they weren't tough enough.

Police had already shifted more investigators to deal with the increased gang violence in the capital city.

Peschong said they want to be upfront about the city's gang problems.

“We're not going to give up any block in our city to gang activity,” he said.